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For some, winter is all about hibernating. The more cold weather, ice, and snow, the more excuses to curl up with a good book on the couch and watch a movie. For others, winter is all about being active. Whether you are hibernating for the winter or looking forward to some cool and adventurous activities, it’s time to think about some heart healthy winter activities. Here are a few:

Cross-Country Skiing

While you might think that cross-country skiing only provides a workout for the lower body like the thighs and calves, you also get a pretty awesome upper body workout too. Many active people go to the gym to get a good cardio workout, build muscle and burn calories too. Cross-country skiing can provide all three benefits.

You might need to hit the gym for a while before heading out cross-country skiing, but the experience and the adventure will offer you many benefits.

Ice-Skating

Most people think of pure fun when they think about ice-skating, but this winter sport can keep you fit while you’re having fun. There are many obvious benefits, but also a few hidden benefits to ice-skating.

• Increase flexibility
• Build up muscles in your calves and legs
• Improve stability and balance
• Give you nice cardio workout

So, next time you’re debating on whether or not to lace up, remember the fun but also remember the health benefits as well.

Sledding

You might not think that sledding provides any benefit health-wise whatsoever. However, if you think about it – what goes up must come down. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll want to do it all over again – which means you have to get back to the top of the hill.

In snow, that’s a bit trickier than on soil. That climb becomes a bit more of a workout, but you’ll probably not notice because you’re too busy having fun.

Snowboarding

The great thing about snowboarding is that it works out your mind and your body. You have to concentrate on keeping your balance while having fun at the same time. Think also of the muscles you use when snowboarding. There are several benefits to this winter sport; you get to have a cardio workout, exercise muscles you never knew you had and keep your mind sharp all at the same time.

Check out this article that tells all about the difference between anaerobic and aerobic exercises and how they both relate to snowboarding.

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/strength-training/the-aerobic-and-anaerobic-benefits-of-snowboarding.html

Of course, with any physical activity (especially winter sports) always check with your doctor beforehand.

Off road enthusiasts have it made when it comes to visiting Alaska. There are many exciting and adventurous places to explore. If you love to take your off-road vehicle for a spin, you have plenty of options in Alaska. Here are a few of the most popular trails.

Captain Cook State Recreation

Some locals and visitors might refer to Captain Cook State Recreation area as one of Alaska’s hidden gems. Visitors to the Kenai Peninsula will be awe-struck by its peaceful line of forestry, sparkling lakes and streams full of wildlife.

Off roaders will be charged by the undiscovered terrain and the breathtaking backdrop. All-terrain vehicles are only permitted in certain areas. When you’re done roughing the terrain, you can always stop and find a spot to throw in a line to catch some rainbow trout or silver salmon. Take some time for bird watching or wildlife viewing and catch a glimpse of a beluga whale on the way.

Coal Mine Road

The Coal Mine Road is as rugged as rugged gets. An off roader can enjoy the 4X4 trails that makes its way around several small lakes. The mountain views are as rugged as the terrain. While there, you can catch some decent fishing or rent a cabin nearby. Best time and maybe only time to visit is in summer; however, you might need to make a reservation months in advance.

While, it’s snowing in many parts of the country right now, the best time to think ahead for this locale is now. Sometimes reservations are necessary six month in advance. Perfect timing.

Clam Gulch Recreation Area

Like the name suggests, Clam Gulch Recreation Area is the perfect place to dig for clams. If you’re looking to take your All-Terrain Vehicle out for a spin and enjoy digging for razor clams, then this is the place for you.

Visitors love to spend time at the park; camping, digging for clams and off-roading till the sun goes down. While off road vehicles are restricted to stay within the campground, beach, and saltwater access roads, sometimes this is all that’s needed.

You can bring your 4X4, dirt bike, ATV or Motor cross and enjoy the terrain, the activities and nature like you’ve never seen it before. For more inspiration on how to trade in your car for an off-roader, check out this adventurous soul here:

http://www.motortrend.com/news/celebrity-drive-josh-gates-travel-channel-expedition-unknown/

No matter what type of off-road vehicle you enjoy, there’s a spot for you in Alaska. Even if you don’t have an all-terrain vehicle of your own, there are plenty of tours you can take. From Denali Park to the backroads, there’s always an adventure in Alaska.

Summer is long behind us as we welcome in fall. Fall brings change in weather, change in clothing and change in our mindset. We get ready for the beauty of the falling leaves, maybe a fall road trip and getting excited for the upcoming holidays. Hearth and home is more important and more apparent during the fall season.

As we leave behind memories of walking on the beach at night, we do get other opportunities to glimpse nature at its finest with the onset of the upcoming meteor showers and shows. Just because summer has ended and we don’t find ourselves walking under the stars on the beach at night doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy a meteor shower or two along the way in fall.

Of course, some of the most-loved and well-known light shows are the Perseid meteor show in Alaska and the Aurora Borealis, but here are a few others.

The Orionids

If you live far enough away from the bright city lights and have an evening with a cloudless sky, you can view the meteor shower of the Orionids. Friday night into the wee early hours of Saturday morning will give you an opportunity to view the dancing lights of the Orionids. You won’t even necessarily need the benefit of a telescope.

The prediction for best viewing for this meteor show is in the wee hours just before dawn. If you’re up for an adventure, you might get lucky and see quite the show.

You may even get to see a dozen or more meteor showers an hour on this one. While October may be peak viewing time, you may still see some action up until somewhere in mid-November.

If nothing else, you might be able to view the a full and brightly shining moon in the hours just before dawn. If you’re a fan of super moons, then you are in luck this year. The entire month of November will be a great time to head outside and check out a rare view of Earth’s moon, up close and personal. It will get to boast that it is the fullest, brightest and biggest but also the closest since the late 1940s.

The North and South Taurids

From early to mid-November, you may be able to view the meteor shower the Taurids will put on display. While not as high in volume, these meteor showers will be apparent for a longer time frame.

While the Orionids may offer anywhere from 10 to 20 meteors per hour, the Taurids may be closer to seven per hour, but just as enjoyable the same. When Taurus the bull is high in the sky, the most activity can be seen.

The Leonids originate from Leo the Lion and if you were around in 1966 you may remember one of the greatest meteor shows there were. With thousands of meteors falling from the night sky, it was a show to remember.

For a more extensive list with some stunning pictures, click here:

http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide#south-taurids

If Alaska had a slogan, it might just read, “Go Fourth and Celebrate.” Just about everywhere you turn, there’s a celebration in honor of the Fourth of July. It may be because cities like Seward earned the title of “All American City” on not one, but three occasions. Or maybe it’s because Alaska is the last frontier where wilderness remains pristine.

 
Who knows, but if you haven’t made any plans to visit Alaska or haven’t had time to plan your Fourth of July vacation, why not make travel plans to visit Alaska now. If you’re lucky enough, you’ve already signed up for the Mount Marathon Race in Seward. Runners can face the challenge that only the Mount Marathon can offer.

 
If running is not your style, then fishing just might be. If you’re an angler seeking out solitude and wilderness, there’s no place better to do that than in Alaska. For some travelers, sitting around in traffic waiting to arrive at their destination and for their vacation to begin is just the norm. For others, being alone with the wilderness and being one with nature is where it’s at for this year’s vacation.

 
The beauty of Alaska is, of course in its natural landscaping. Brown bears, wild salmon, moose, and the bald eagle are just a few of the natural and amazing sites you’ll see. And as diverse the landscape is from mountains to rivers and glaciers, is how diverse the activities you will find there.

 
If solitude and casting your line in the fresh, cool waters of Alaska or running up a mountain in a marathon are not your style, and you are more Americana than that, how about a good old-fashioned parade down Main Street.

 
The city of Seward hosts the most spectacular parade you could imagine. The small town of only a few thousands bursts at the seams every Fourth of July to host its annual Fourth of July festivities. Whether it’s an historic stroll down town or to browse through the wares of the many vendors, there’s plenty of festivities to take part in on Main Street USA in Seward, Alaska.

 
For more fun in the Alaskan sun, visit the Girdwood Forest Fair in early July. There are plenty of activities from a dazzling parade to interesting foods, fun contests and enjoyable entertainment not to mention plenty of craft vendors.

 
Why is this summer the perfect time to visit Alaska? Alaska is not your typical vacation for starters; there are more diverse activities than you could imagine. Culture and heritage are important to Alaskans and so is preservation of the pristine natural wilderness. In Alaska during summer, the nights are longer and the days are sweeter. It’s that simple.

For more information on some of the summer festivities, click HERE

If you’re old enough to drive a car, then you’re old enough to treat Dad to a really great time this Father’s Day. When you’re a small child, it makes Dad happy to get those hand-made, home-made gifts. Now that you’re a grown-up and able to drive to just about anywhere, why not make it a Father’s Day to remember this year?

 
More than anything else, if your dad is like most, he’d love the opportunity to simply spend time with you. He’s busy, you’re busy and it’s all good; however, planning some cool outing with your dad might just make it his best Father’s Day yet.

 
Keep it Simple

 
You don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount of money on Father’s Day this year in order to make it a good one. Grab some tickets to a game and jump in your car. The time spent bonding with your dad at a sporting event will create memories to last a lifetime. There’s no price you can put on that. A one-day travel adventure is just as good as an extended vacation.

Or Go Big with a Father and Son Travel Excursion

 
What better way to bond with dad than to do take on some manly travel excursions? Fishing is and probably always will be one of the greatest ways for fathers and sons to spend time together. If you and your dad spent countless hours fishing, hiking and camping when you were younger or even if you never got the chance at all, there’s no better time than now to grab your pole and spend time with dad this Father’s Day. If you didn’t plan something yet, there’s still time. Be bold, think out of the box; check out these father/son fishing activities.

 
Take a Hike

 
If you didn’t get a chance to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our National Parks, it’s not too late. Combining the anniversary of our National Parks with Father’s Day is one of the best ideas you can have. You don’t have to worry if dad’s never been hiking before either. There are plenty of parks that offer beginning hiker trails. These National Parks are more for the one-of-a-kind experiences and majestic, magnificent views rather than the actual experience or lack thereof of hiking.

 
Camp Out

 
If you’ve ever gone camping with your dad, it was probably when you were a small child. How great would it be to camp out again with dad, only this time more as an equal? You can show your dad just how much you learned from him when camping out as a young boy and just how much you listened to him too. A gift like that is priceless to your dad.
No matter what state you’re in, you’re bound to find a camping excursion that suits you both best or one that’s only a road trip away. Imagine combining a road trip on the open road that ends with a camping outing this Father’s Day weekend. That’s a win/win combination, for sure.

 
There are dozens of activities to choose from this Father’s Day that will make it a day to remember:

 
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Camping
• Sporting event
• Rock climbing
• Mountain climbing
• National parks

 
No matter what you choose, spending time with your dad beats giving him a tie, hands down.

Being frugal means many things to many people. It could mean saving money for a big cause like an annual vacation. Or it could mean saving one dollar for every dollar earned. Being frugal could also mean doing without. Different meanings, same word.
So, how can you be frugal when it comes to celebrating like the rest of them and like the best of them this Memorial Day? Here are a few tips:

 
Pack it Up

If you’re heading to the beach, you don’t have to spend a fortune on concession stand food that, let’s face it, is terrible for you anyway. Pack up your own lunch and cooler and off you go. Making your own sandwiches, bringing your own fruit and filling up your own personal water bottles is not only frugal, it saves the environment of unnecessary additional plastic water bottles.

Be a Day-Tripper
Have you ever sat home on a Memorial Day weekend feeling less than everybody else because everyone else got to go away? Well, you can still go away, but you just don’t have to stay away.
Take a day trip to a local festival. Go to a winery just on the outskirts of your town. There are craft fairs, food festivals and music events all over you can enjoy. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing gig. Remember, pack your own food and beverage and save money while enjoying yourself.
Park It
National Parks throughout the country are celebrating National Parks Week – get in for free and pick the park of your dreams. This could be “the” year you travel to places you’d never expected, like Alaska for example. Tons of parks to visit with even more activities than you could ever imagine.
If you’re not heading that way this Memorial Day weekend, why not put a plan down on paper. What better way to celebrate a long weekend than to put a plan down on paper, figure out how you’re going to save to get there and then go for it:

• Katmai National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Denali National Park
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
• Lake Clark National Park
• Gates of Arctic National Park
• Kobuk Valley National Park
• Exit Glacier
Some state throughout the United States, can make claim to boasting one big National Park, but Alaska has so many to savor.

Rough It
If you’ve never been camping before, Memorial Day weekend is a great time to get your feet wet and to claim stakes so to speak. Do some research, find the best spot for you and try your hand at camping.
While it might be a little bit of work in the beginning, once you get the hang of it, you might find yourself in the middle of one of those Alaskan parks camping and roughing it with very little supplies and only nature as your backdrop.
For more frugal ways to enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, check out this article HERE

Truthfully, there is so much to see and do in Alaska that you are not at a loss for adventures. You can see Alaska by foot as you hike and camp in unchartered terrain or take a flightseeing adventure as you hover over massive glaciers to your destination. Take a wild ride on the river and spot some wild Alaskan sea life or pick blueberries and climb a mountain to name just a few more.
However, Alaska has some pretty unusual things to do and here are a few fun and adventurous ones:

 
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

 
At the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show you can watch as master lumberjacks battle it out to see who’s the best lumberjack of them all. At the show, they will face off and see who’s the best at chopping, sawing, and even ax throwing.
Witness the talent and skill it takes to throw an axe and hit the bullseye or how a lumberjack rolls when trying his feet at professional log rolling.

 
Alaska’s Six Mile Creek

 
Want the ride of your lifetime? Then, Alaska’s Six Mile Creek is the place to be for you. Six miles of white water rapids starting you off slow and raising the bar till you reach the crossroads of what was I thinking and this is awesome. Before you can even get your ride on, you have to don special protective gear that will keep you somewhat safe in the frigid freezing waters of Alaska and go for a swim. Once you can prove you can handle your swim, you’re allowed to set sail so to speak down the rapid course. What makes this white rapid tour different from any other is that it is held in the icy waters of Alaska and the scenery is like none other.

 
Ocean Rafting

 
Just about everyone knows that Alaska is wet, wild and magnificent. Taking a tour while ocean rafting allows you the experience of getting wet, seeing the wild and experiencing the rough Alaskan waters. More importantly, you get to see some of Alaska’s hidden wilderness treasures in the form of anemones and sea caves and abundant wildlife.
Get on the edge – the edge of a volcanic island that is as you make your way over the ocean and to the edge of the volcano. Explore as your jaw drops at the magnificent ride and the scenery along the way.

 
For a more extensive list of things to do in Alaska, check out this article here:
Awesome Things You Have to Do in Alaska

 
If you want to say you traveled like a wild adventurer, these three things will fit the bill perfectly. You’ll come home with a tale to tell for generations to come.

There have been many safety recalls in the news the last few years with issues ranging from airbags to ignition switches. Some of these incidents, sadly, were determined to be fatal; Stay in the know and check out some of the latest recalls on some popular car models:

 
Tesla Model X built prior to March 26th

 
Tesla is willingly sending out a recall of 2700 Model X vehicles because the possibility exists that the third row latch may not work if involved in certain types of accidents. The cars being recalled were the ones manufactured before March 26th. While it seems that, thankfully, no accidents have been reported, the seat backs need to be replaced in order to avoid a safety issue. If the locking hinge malfunctions, it could have potential to push the seat forward in a frontal crash. After performing a crash test and becoming aware of the issue, it’s great to see a recall happen before it becomes an accident. This doesn’t seem to have the potential to negatively impact sales. Also, it wasn’t too long ago that Tesla announced the Model 3. With a price tag starting at $35,000 and a range of 215 miles on a single charge, get ready to line up around the block for that one.

 
Semi-autonomous Technology

 
While auto manufacturers may not be thrilled with the notion that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is all for regulating self-driving vehicles, at least those consumers who are highly interested in these types of car can rest a bit easier.
Optical sensors such as lidar pick up ques from its surroundings; however, these sensors don’t always have the capability to read between the lines. Moreover, they don’t necessarily have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances like the weather for example. Talk about putting it to the test, though, as Ford performed a test with its Ford Fusion Hybrid in order to test out its autonomous driving capabilities. Imagine driving in the dead of night, in the middle of the desert, with no lights on. That’s what Ford put its research vehicle through recently in an effort to put its virtual driving software to the test; and it passed with flying colors.

 
Millions of Recalls Yet on The Road

 
Even though there have been plenty of unfortunate stories about recalls over the past years, sadly there are still high numbers of recalls still on the road – high numbers in the millions. With older, used cars it may be difficult to get in touch with the appropriate owner in order to advise them of a recall. While regulators and lawmakers are exploring new ways to ensure every driver’s safety, there are still millions of cars on the road that may have recalls on them without the driver knowing. For more information on the subject: check out the link here:
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/millions-recalled-cars-roam-road-risking-passengers-lives-n553221

 
Takata in the news again

 
Unfortunately, another incident with an airbag deploying and killing its driver occurred recently in Houston. Even more unfortunate, it was a 17-year-old girl. Not only do drivers have to be concerned with other drivers on the road, there’s a major concern about the safety of one’s own vehicle, as well. How sad that something intended to save a life is taking lives instead. For a more comprehensive look at recalls in detail, check out the link here: http://blog.caranddriver.com/massive-takata-airbag-recall-everything-you-need-to-know-including-full-list-of-affected-vehicles/#list

Lots of car enthusiasts can’t wait until summer. There are a host of car shows to enjoy when the nicer weather rolls around. If you are a car enthusiast, you might even enjoy a road trip with the top down every now and again. However, if you are bored with the same old routine, why not take a car trip to go visit some more cars instead of waiting for summer time to roll around? There are quite a few car museums that will drive you crazy, but in a good way. No matter which corner of the states you visit, you’re bound to find one you like.

 
National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY
If you’ve always loved the Corvette and have been a big fan, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy the Corvette Museum. This museum is like a Corvette playground. Here you’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind concept cars that never quite made it into reality and also the one and only 1983 Corvette there is.

 
The Quad Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
While the Quad is a hotel casino in Las Vegas, it also houses 1,000 of the coolest cars around. This museum has an eclectic mix of cars from vintage to muscle cars. Some of the cars have a backstory of history and interesting backgrounds to go along with their beauty and prestige. The collection is worth more than $100 million dollars. That alone is enough to make any car enthusiast want to go to Vegas.

 
The National Automobile Museum – Reno, Nevada
If you’re in Nevada visiting the Quad Hotel and Casino’s collection of cars, (also known as the Harrah’s collection) why not make it an extended event. With over 200 vehicles here, there’s no gambling on the fact you’ll find something to love. The movie-like sets offer sights and sounds of the era so that you get the full effect of a time gone by.

 
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks, Alaska
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, there are some really great road trips to experience there. Like nowhere else in the states, the combination of isolation and beauty is a compelling one. If you want to see a good collection of cars while you’re visiting, then the Fountain Head Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks is a pleasant trip.
What makes this particular museum so interesting is that just one look and each car tells its own story. The horseless carriages, the steamers, and the midget racers all have a tale all their own. The stories of these cars are told in many ways from photographs to videos. Some of the rarest cars around are found in this locale.

 
Henry Ford Museum
What would a road trip to a car museum be without a trip to Dearborn, MI to the Henry Ford Museum. Planes and automobiles of all sorts are found here, as well as tours, displays of all kinds and an IMAX theater where you can learn more about these historical pieces. Imagine a race car next to a presidential vehicle that is across from an old Ford. Not only are there acres upon acres of cars to check out, there are innovative and inspiring displays of all kinds. You might bump into Mark Twain’s writing table or spy a replica of the Wright Flyer plane. There’s something here for everyone in your family to enjoy. There are also family-filled events, workshops, and holiday specials going on throughout the year. If you liked these car museums, you might be interested in a more comprehensive list here.

For some travelers, the ideal travel experience includes a collection of some sort of souvenir. It might be a collection of sea shells, sea glass or shot glasses from around the world. Other travelers like to create a theme around their travel adventures. Some like to see the largest cities, the smallest towns or the tiniest of fishing villages. Many travelers enjoy seeing the lighthouses around the world.

Lighthouses have always been a big draw for travelers. There’s something interesting and curious about the history and the personal stories behind them. Lighthouses were used as a beacon of light to aid and guide seafarers on their journeys. Some travelers visit lighthouses for the spectacular photographs they can capture.

Here are some intriguing lighthouses from around the world.

Eldred Rock, Alaska

If you’ve never been to Alaska and are interested in following lighthouses, this lighthouse should be on your list of things to see. With its unusual octagon shape and its impressive, massive mountainous background, this lighthouse earns the title of intriguing.

Tales of shipwrecks during the Gold Rush and undiscovered gold along with missing crew mates makes for an interesting visit.

Cabo Rojo Lighthouse in Puerto Rico

While there are hundreds of thousands of lighthouses throughout the world, what makes this one so appealing is the view it offers. This lighthouse is set hundreds of feet high upon limestone and offers panoramic views from all over the island.

The coved beach area down below is a welcome sight where you can walk, swim or play.

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

When you think of lighthouses, Nova Scotia might come to mind, with more than 100 lighthouses there. Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is one of the most well-known, well-loved, and most photographed lighthouses of Nova Scotia. Peggy’s Cove is known as a classic iconic landmark, and a popular tourist attraction.

Tower of Hercules, Spain

The Tower of Hercules is so much more than a Roman lighthouse; it is also a landmark. Not only is it close to 2000 years old, but it is also the oldest Roman lighthouse that remains true to function and form where engineering is concerned. This structure is a perfect example of restoration, preservation and functionality in a modern world.

Tourlitis Lighthouse in Greece

Located on Andros Island, the Tourlitis Lighthouse was possibly the most delightful and visually attractive lighthouse in Greece. The stairs leading to the lighthouse are unique unto themselves because they are carved out of the rock on which the lighthouse stands. Whether you see an old photo of the original or ever get the chance to see the replica, this lighthouse appears to be something out of a movie with all its charm and character.

Cape Hatteras in North Carolina

Located in the United States on Hatteras Island, this lighthouse stands over 200 feet tall. It gets to claim the title of tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. A visit to Cape Hatteras is a travel adventure in itself.

You get to enjoy the beach, fishing and nature activities and can even enjoy a climb up the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. It’s a popular travel destination for hundreds of thousands, with good reason.

Whether you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, elsewhere in the United States or Europe, these lighthouses are sure to charm you.